Recent Advances in Electronic Warfare - Esm Systems

Electronic warfare actually started with the introduction of RADAR systems. Many of the drawbacks of RADAR systems, until recently, have been a matter of concern. Efforts to overcome these drawbacks are still in the research level. One such widely used accomplished system is the ESM (Electronic-Warfare Support Measures) system. The ESM system is used to measure the parameters of Radar emissions in the operating frequency range along with pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, signal strength, antenna scan period, direction of arrival, etc.,. These systems are installed in warships, air crafts and submarines. The parameters are to be made available to operator during the peace and wartime. In the modern ESM systems these parameters are to be measured instantaneously for tactical purposes. Different techniques are used for measuring different parameters. The frequency coverage should be wider since the enemy’s radar frequency is unknown to us. This is to be carried out in the factory using manual test set up in earlier ESM systems. The manual set up requires test equipment and associated instruments. This is also cumbersome and needs lot of time. This can be simplified by using online channel calibration which is very accurate. However, to perform the auto calibration, an interface circuit, AHU processor is installed. The AHU processor generates all the control signals to provide interface for auto calibration in the systems.